Question 1

Does TMO pack for you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, government-contracted movers will pack your household goods if you choose a standard HHG move. When you select a standard Household Goods (HHG) move, the government-contracted Transportation Service Provider (TSP) is responsible for packing your items, loading, transporting, and unpacking them (if requested). You do not need to pack boxes yourself; in fact, movers often prefer to pack your items so they can assume liability for any damages.

Question 2

What should I do before movers arrive?

Accepted Answer

Organize your home, separate high-value items, take down curtains, and designate a 'do not pack' room. While movers do the physical packing, you must prepare the home. Take everything off the walls, unplug and clean appliances, empty all trash cans, and set aside items you are taking with you (important documents, travel clothes, electronics) in a clearly marked 'Do Not Pack' zone. The smoother your preparation, the faster and safer the pack-out.

Question 3

HHG vs PPM: What is the difference?

Accepted Answer

HHG is a government-contracted move where they do the work. A PPM (Personally Procured Move) is a do-it-yourself move where you arrange transportation and get reimbursed. A standard Household Goods (HHG) move means the military hires a moving company to pack, transport, and unpack your belongings. A Personally Procured Move (PPM), formerly known as a DITY move, means you hire your own truck or moving company, do the work yourself, and receive an incentive payment based on the weight of your goods and the distance traveled.

Question 4

Can you make money on a PPM?

Accepted Answer

It is possible. You receive a payout based on what it would have cost the government to move your weight. If your costs are lower, you keep the difference. In a PPM, the government pays you an incentive equal to 100% of the Government Constructed Cost (GCC) to move your authorized weight allowance. If you can complete the move for less than the GCC (by packing yourself, driving your own truck, etc.), you get to keep the profit. Note that this profit is considered taxable income, and your actual expenses (like truck rental and boxes) are not taxed.

Question 5

Can you switch from HHG to PPM?

Accepted Answer

Yes, usually you can change or do a partial PPM, but you must officially update your application in DPS and get approval before moving items. You can generally switch from a full HHG move to a full or partial PPM. However, you cannot simply start moving items yourself and expect reimbursement. You must log back into the Defense Personal Property System (DPS), change your move type, and receive formal authorization/approval from your TMO before you begin transporting any weight.

Question 6

How do high-value item sheets work?

Accepted Answer

Movers use a high-value inventory sheet to document expensive items. You and the driver must both sign it. When packing, movers will document items of exceptional value (like electronics, jewelry, collectibles) on a specific High-Value Inventory form. You must verify that the descriptions, serial numbers, and conditions are accurate. Both you and the moving company representative must sign this document. Keep your copy safe, as it is critical if you need to file a claim later.

Question 7

Can you update high-value items before pack-out?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can and should point out new high-value items to the movers on pack-out day so they are added to the inventory. If you purchase new high-value items after submitting your initial DPS application but before pack-out day, simply inform the lead packer when they arrive. They will add the new items to the official High-Value Inventory sheet. Always make sure you have photos and receipts for any newly acquired expensive items.

Question 8

Can you ship items inside your car?

Accepted Answer

Strictly limited. Usually, only standard vehicle tools and child car seats are allowed when shipping a POV. When shipping a Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) overseas or within CONUS (if authorized), the vehicle must generally be completely empty of personal items. You are typically only allowed to leave factory-standard tools (jack, spare tire, jumper cables) and a child car seat. You cannot pack your vehicle with clothing, electronics, or household goods.

Question 9

What goes in unaccompanied baggage (UAB)?

Accepted Answer

UAB is an expedited shipment for essential items you need immediately upon arrival, like seasonal clothes, basic cookware, and baby items. Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB) is a smaller, expedited shipment (usually sent by air for OCONUS moves) meant to arrive before your main HHG shipment. Pack essentials you cannot live without for a month or two: uniforms, basic pots/pans, towels, seasonal clothing, and essential baby gear. Do not pack furniture or bulky items.

Question 10

How do weight limits work?

Accepted Answer

Your weight allowance is determined by the service member's rank and dependent status. Every service member has a maximum authorized weight allowance based on their paygrade and whether they have dependents. If you exceed this combined weight limit (HHG + UAB + Pro Gear in some cases), you will be financially responsible for the cost of shipping the excess weight. Always estimate your weight conservatively before moving.

Question 11

Can the military ship my boat or trailer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they count against your total HHG weight allowance, and special restrictions or extra costs may apply. Boats, personal watercraft, and utility trailers can often be shipped as part of your Household Goods, but their weight is deducted from your total authorized allowance. You may be responsible for accessorial charges (like special crating or oversized fees) that the government does not cover. Ensure you coordinate this explicitly in DPS.

Question 12

What are the basics of shipping a POV?

Accepted Answer

The military generally pays to ship one POV for OCONUS moves. For CONUS moves, POV shipping is rarely authorized unless specific conditions are met. For overseas (OCONUS) moves, the government typically pays to ship one Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) per service member. For moves within the continental US (CONUS), you are generally expected to drive your vehicle, and shipping is only authorized in very specific circumstances (e.g., medical reasons or a change of home port).

Question 13

What is a first-night box?

Accepted Answer

A box of immediate essentials (toilet paper, soap, sheets, snacks) that you pack in your own car so you have it on day one at your new home. A first-night box (or 'open me first' box) contains items you will need the moment you walk into your new empty house before the movers arrive or unpack. It should travel with you in your vehicle, not in the moving truck. Include items like toilet paper, paper towels, basic tools, a shower curtain, soap, trash bags, bed sheets, and pet food.

Question 14

What documents should I keep with me?

Accepted Answer

Keep all critical documents (orders, IDs, birth certificates, medical records) physically with you. Never let the movers pack them. You must hand-carry all important documents. Never let the moving company pack your military orders, identification cards, passports, birth certificates, social security cards, marriage licenses, vehicle titles, or medical/school records. If these get lost in transit, they are incredibly difficult to replace and can severely delay your check-in process.

Question 15

What are tips for moving with kids?

Accepted Answer

Keep their favorite toys with you, maintain routines, and involve them in the planning. Moving is stressful for children. Pack a special backpack for each child containing their favorite comfort items, toys, and snacks, and keep it in the car with you. Try to maintain standard meal and sleep routines as much as possible. Discussing the move positively and researching the new base together can also ease anxiety.

Question 16

How should I document items for claims and damages?

Accepted Answer

Take photos/videos of all your items, especially electronics functioning, before the movers arrive. Before the packers arrive, walk through your house and take a video of your belongings. Turn on electronics (TVs, computers) to prove they are in working order. Open drawers and cabinets. If items arrive damaged or go missing, this visual evidence is crucial for filing a successful claim through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).

Question 17

What is Pro Gear (PBP&E)?

Accepted Answer

Professional Books, Papers, and Equipment (Pro Gear) are items needed for your official duties that do not count against your standard weight allowance. Pro Gear (PBP&E) includes items strictly required for the service member's official duties, such as specialized reference materials, specialized tools, and specialized clothing (not standard uniforms). Pro Gear weight is typically granted in addition to your standard HHG weight allowance. Spouses may also be authorized a small Pro Gear allowance for their profession or community volunteer work. You must separate and clearly declare Pro Gear to the packers.

Question 18

How does Storage in Transit (SIT) work?

Accepted Answer

SIT allows the government to store your goods temporarily if you do not have a home ready at your new duty station. If you arrive at your new duty station and do not have housing secured, your HHG can be placed in Storage in Transit (SIT). The government typically covers up to 90 days of SIT, which can sometimes be extended if requested and justified through TMO. The moving company will store your goods in an approved warehouse and deliver them when your home is ready.

Question 19

What are TLE and TLA basics?

Accepted Answer

TLE (CONUS) and TLA (OCONUS) partially reimburse you for lodging and meals while you are looking for housing or waiting to move in. Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) is for CONUS moves, and Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) is for OCONUS moves. They are designed to partially offset the cost of temporary hotels and meals while you are vacating your old home or waiting for housing at your new station. There are strict limits on the number of days allowed, and you must retain itemized lodging receipts.

Question 20

What is the Dislocation Allowance (DLA)?

Accepted Answer

DLA is a flat-rate payment intended to partially reimburse you for the miscellaneous expenses associated with relocating. The Dislocation Allowance (DLA) is a tax-free, flat-rate entitlement based on your paygrade and dependent status. It is designed to help cover the hidden, miscellaneous costs of moving (like utility deposits, restocking pantries, or hook-up fees). You do not need to provide receipts for DLA, but you must apply for it.

Question 21

How does BAH timing work during a move?

Accepted Answer

You generally receive BAH for your old duty station while in transit, and your new BAH rate starts when you officially sign in at your new command. During travel days, you continue to receive the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate of your old duty station (or transit rate depending on the situation). Your BAH rate changes to the rate of your new duty station on the day you officially report to and sign in at your new command. Ensure your paperwork is processed promptly by finance to avoid delayed adjustments.

Question 22

Does the military pay to move my pets?

Accepted Answer

Recent policy changes may reimburse some pet relocation expenses for one cat or dog during a PCS. Historically, pet shipping was entirely out-of-pocket. However, recent updates to the JTR have introduced a limited reimbursement for specific pet relocation expenses (quarantine fees, specific transport costs) for one dog or cat per PCS. The reimbursement caps differ for CONUS vs. OCONUS moves. Review the current rules carefully, as many expenses and additional pets still fall on the service member.

Question 23

What is a Partial PPM?

Accepted Answer

A Partial PPM is when the government moves your large items (HHG), but you move some items yourself in your car or a small trailer and get reimbursed. A Partial Personally Procured Move (Partial PPM) is extremely common. You allow the government-contracted movers to take your heavy furniture and bulk items, while you pack up your car or a small rented trailer with items you want to keep close (electronics, first-night boxes, valuables). You receive a payout for the weight you moved yourself. You must get empty and full weight tickets for your vehicle.

Question 24

When should I schedule my DPS/TMO appointment?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you have hard orders. The moving process runs through the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). You should create or update your DPS account and submit your move application the moment you receive official 'hard' orders. During peak PCS season (summer), moving company availability fills up rapidly, so delaying your application can leave you without your preferred moving dates.

Question 25

What should I ask my moving company before they arrive?

Accepted Answer

Confirm arrival times, packing day span, contact info for the coordinator, and policies on what they will not pack. A few days before the move, the Transportation Service Provider (TSP) will contact you. Ask them to confirm the exact date and arrival window, how many days they expect packing and loading to take, who your local point of contact/coordinator is, and if they have specific policies on items they refuse to pack (like liquids, batteries, or specific cleaning supplies).

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